From:
sprite
Date: 2004-06-26 16:02:56 UTC
Subject: Re:dog food switching
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <40DD83E2@webmail.ksu.edu>
If the ferret is only eating dog food be careful about switching too quickly
as she might not eat the food you are switching her too.
Some ferrets will not switch foods easily and if we take away the only food
they are eating they may starve themselves or get sick. It's a good idea to
monitor your little one closely to make sure she is eating sufficient amounts.
You can try mixing 3 parts dog food to 1 part ferret or kitten kibble in a
sealable container, shake it well and for three days shake it several times a
day. This will mix the aromas and topical oils of the dog food with the
kibble. After 3 days put some in a bowl and pick most of the dog food out and
see if she'll eat the kibble too.
If she does eat it willingly, you can continue to mix the foods but each week
mix in a bit more of the kibble you are trying to switch to and less dog food.
It may be the texture, the flavor, kibble size, or aroma that she prefers in
the dog food. If the dog kibble contains a mixture of textures, check to see
if she is eating more of one type.
My group has access to dog food as a treat. I have an oldster that prefers
dog food though he eats the maintenance recipe I provide twice daily as well.
When I don't provide the dog kibble he loses weight but as soon as I add it
back in he re-gains what he's lost. He likes the soft texture of the dog food
(Butchers's blend has soft kibbles mixed in with the hard). I moisten his
favorite regular kibble and though he eats some he will still loose weight
without providing the dog food. I bought the soft ferret food by 8 in 1 but
he doesn't like it either, nor does he like soft cat food.
I've adapted his feeding protocol to what works best for him and keeps him
eating well. As long as he's eating the supplemental recipe he's meeting his
nutritional requirements. For some reason the dog food perks up his appetite.
tle